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Veteran Assamese actor Nipon Goswami left for his heavenly abode at a private hospital in Guwahati, Assam on Thursday. The 80-year-old stalwart was battling a prolonged illness.
Veteran Assamese actor Nipon Goswami left for his heavenly abode at a private hospital in Guwahati, Assam on Thursday. The 80-year-old stalwart was battling a prolonged illness.
Goswami, who is known for his sensitive portrayal of different roles in more than 50 Assamese films he acted in, is survived by his son and daughter-in-law. His wife passed away in 2015.
Reacting to the shocking loss, prominent Assamese actor Kapil Bora said Goswami’s passing away is an irreparable loss to the art world of the state. “It is an irreparable loss both personally and professionally,” Bora told The New Indian.
“He is synonymous with Assamese cinema. He is an integral part of Assamese cinema. We felt so low at his sad demise,” Bora said, trying to control his emotions. “There cannot be any other Niponda,” he added.
Terming Goswami as Assamese cinema’s first superstar, Bora said, “There were great artists before him. But I think the term superstar in Assamese cinema started with him. He was our first superstar. He ruled the performing arts scene in Assam for almost five decades.”
Remembering his association with the veteran actor, Bora said, “He is very responsible as an actor. He is punctual about his timing and he comes to the set with all the preparations.”
“He has an amazing memory when it comes to acting. He never forgets his lines. Such was his dedication to the work that even sometimes we get intimated,” the 45-year-old multi-talented actor said.
Goswami was born in Tezpur to an actor father and a singer mother. He made his acting debut as a child actor in the Assamese film Piyoli Phukan.
An alumnus of Pune’s Film and Television Institute of India, Goswami was a classmate of filmmaker Subhas Ghai and actors Shatrughan Sinha and Navin Nischol, among others.
He began his film career as the lead actor in the Assamese movie Sangram which was a hit movie, and he followed it up with another superhit, Dr Bezbarua.
Goswami has acted in 50 Assamese films, the most prominent among those being Mukuta, Sandhya Raag, Ajoli Nobou, Aparupa, Ghar Sangsar, Kokadeuta Nati Aru Hati, Siraj, Deutar Biya, Baibhav, Hiya Diya Niya, Jon Jwole Kopolat, Jonaki Mon, Mitha Mitha Logonot, Kadambari, Morisika among others.
His last Assamese film was Lankakanda by Rajani Barman. He had acted in seven Hindi films, including Kalpana Lajmi’s Daman, Bhabendranath Saikia’s Kaal Sandhya and Rajkumar Kohli’s Virodhi among others.
Goswami was also actively associated with the state’s unique mobile theatre and had over the years been a part of the Abahan, Kohinoor, Hengul and Shakuntala theatre companies. He also acted in a few television series, including Ritu Aahe Ritu Jaai.
Prime minister Narendra Modi, Assam Chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Union Minister for Shipping, Ports, Waterways and Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal expressed took to social media to express grief over the demise of the veteran actor.
“Saddened by the passing away of Shri Nipon Goswami, who made a pioneering contribution to the Assamese film industry. His diverse works will be remembered by several film lovers. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti: PM @narendramodi,” a tweet from PM Modi’s official handle stated.
CM Sarma recalled his fond memories of working with Goswami in the 1984 Assamese hit Kakadeuta Nati Aur Hati.
“I am saddened to hear of the passing away of the evergreen actor Nipon Goswami. I was blessed to be in the presence of one of the best actors in Assam while acting in the film Kakadeuta Nati Aur Hati as a child artist,” he said.
Union Minister Sonowal tweeted, “The polestar of Assamese cinema is no more. I am deeply saddened to learn about the demise of veteran actor Nipon Goswami. A star since the 1960s, Nipon da had captivated the hearts of the audience, and his death brings an end to a golden era. “
